five-month investigation by federal agents has led to the arrest of nine western New Mexico residents on drug trafficking charges.
The U.S. attorney's office in Albuquerque says the investigation began in May at the request of the Navajo Nation. The goal was to combat the growing drug trafficking problem in and around the reservation, which spans parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
The defendants were identified as Grants residents Jason Jaramillo, Lance Rochlitz, Gilbert Aragon and Matthew Gonzales; Prewitt residents Michael Goodson and Georgia Goodson; Tohatchi residents Dion Chato and Nephi Chato; and Melvin Patton of Crownpoint.
They face counts of trafficking marijuana or methamphetamine, or both.
